A diverse offering twixt the interesting, the unusual, and the amusing.

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Un-Friendly Fountain Garden.

Just a year ago, I decided to abandon my tiny fish pond and create a 'small plant garden' instead. I'm not very good at flowering plants, so choosing what would go where was rather haphazard. All I knew was that I wanted Aubretia to hang down at the front.

Most of the plants were just taken from elsewhere and transplanted, a few others I bought. Anyway, I'm quite pleased to see that it is still doing well.

I have plenty of interesting foliage, a few flowers, and the prospect of more to come.... My only real problem was doing away with the water that so many friendly creatures found essential.

These toads, that used to live in the pond, have now taken to life on the pool cover, on which there is still a small amount of water. The results of their labours are illustrated below. I shall have to place them, and their eggs, in a bucket, and take them down to the lake.

I feel as if I should apologise to them, but I don't think they'd understand.

Aubrieta (also Aubretia) is a genus of about 12 species of flowering plants in the cabbage family Brassicaceae. The genus is named after Claude Aubriet, a French flower-painter. Looks nice in flower and should grow in our climate - must check it out at the nursery.

You've got an ideal little 'nook' for growing kitchen herbs in there - basil, thyme, sage, tarragon, mint, marjoram, fennel, rosemary, chives - all of which are 'attractive' in their own right as well as useful.

Look to http://www.angelfire.com/ga/earthwise/importantkitchenherbs.html for some information. Many will grow in half-moon pots wall mounted under your roof line for protection from severe elements.

We only have one toad at a time living under the wood pile and drinking from the outdoor dog bowl. At least I think it was one. They all look alike, you know. Looks like you probably should intervene with your brood.

Beautiful. And it doesn't matter a bit if you know the names of the flowers or not. Whether it's creating beauty on a canvas or creating beauty in a garden, it's still art, and what look good, looks good, whatever the name. (Poor frogs.)

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6 months ago

Optimistic Cro!

The difference between an optimist and a pessimist, is that the optimist enjoys himself whilst waiting for the inevitable! I AM that optimist!

This is a daily, optimistic, 'photos and comments' blog. I make no judgements (only occasionally), just notes. If you wish to comment in any way at all, please feel free. Everything and everyone is very welcome.

About Me

I was born just south of London, but for the past 45 years I've lived in S W France. I am a painter by profession, and writer by desire. Lady Magnon and I live in an ancient cottage, in a tiny village, in perfectly tranquil countryside. We have a vegetable garden called 'Haddock's' (this may crop up from time to time), a Border Collie/Black Lab' cross called Bok, a cat called Freddie, plenty of fruit trees, and a view that takes the breath away. I try to treat our planet with respect, and encourage others to do likewise (without preaching).
Contentment is a glass of red, a plate of charcuterie, and a slice of good country bread. Perfect!